Ripon DUI checkpoint set for 7 o’clock tonight

Drivers under the influence and those without driver’s licenses will face police personnel at a checkpoint at an undetermined location tonight beginning at 7 p.m. that will continue until 3 a.m. Saturday morning.

Officers are continuing their effort to lower the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol and drug related crashes as well as identifying other drivers who may be operating their vehicles without valid licenses.

The actual location of the checkpoint is not being released to the public. Chase cars will be on location to pursue drivers who intentionally avoid going through the orange cone lane to waiting officers.

First Sergeant Steve Merchant said he believes this enforcement and their education efforts toward the driving public may deter motorists from drinking and driving in Ripon.

Funding for the checkpoint is underwritten by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Ripon Police Department encourages everyone to designate a sober driver. To report a drunk driver on the road dial 911, Merchant said.